MUTV presenter and commentator Stewart
Gardner reflects on United’s final league game and looks forward to
Wednesday’s showdown with Barcelona in Rome…
From Hull City to the Eternal City… you could hardly get two
more contrasting locations for two games of professional
football.
United’s team selection from one game to the next will also be
very different – take Wes Brown and Gary Neville out of the
equation and the average age of the eleven that lined up against
Hull was just 21.
Last week, there was talk of the Reds being sued if they played
a reserve team at the KC Stadium but no one is saying that now,
after the youngsters did themselves proud. The Reds controlled the
game and could have had more goals than Darron Gibson’s
stunner.
To be honest though, Hull were abject. They have survived by
default. Staying up with just 34 points and after a run of one win
from 22 games is quite amazing really.
I must give special praise to Richie De Laet who had a fine
debut for United. His story shows that footballing fairytales are
possible. The 20 year-old Belgian joined United from Stoke in
January – having never played a first-team game for the Potters.
His only senior football this season had been three games on loan
at Wrexham. And yet he ended the league campaign playing for the
Champions!
I spoke to Ritchie after the match and he told me a great story.
When Sir Alex announced the team he said Richard was in the
starting lineup but De Laet presumed he meant the other Richard in
the squad, Eckersley. It was only when the Reds arrived at the KC
Stadium ground that Ritchie realised he was the one with a place in
the starting lineup! He had
the shock of his life. But what a fine display he produced.
Ninety points and club record-equalling 28 Premier League wins
show what a superb season it has been for United. Now there’s just
one game left. One more win on Wednesday and it will be arguably,
United’s greatest-ever campaign.
The countdown to Rome is now truly on. And if you are not lucky
enough to be going to Italy, then MUTV will
bring you the full flavour of the Champions League final. For
example, don’t miss The Paddy Crerand Show tonight at 18:30
BST, live from Rome. Paddy will be taking
your calls as ever – but you’ll hopefully be able to see St Peter’s
Basilica in the background rather than Old Trafford!